Yorkshire Terrier

Dog Breed Profile

Stats:• High energy level• Low exercise needs• Very playful• Moderately affectionate• Shy towards other dogs• Shy around other pets• Friendly around strangers• Easy to train• Great watchdogs• Not very protective• High grooming requirements• Medium tolerance to heat• Low tolerance to cold

Overview:

Named after Yorkshire, England, the Yorkshire Terrier (also known as the Yorkie) makes an excellent pet in an apartment or even on a farm. This dog breed makes a good traveling companion even though he doesn’t seem to realize that he so small. He’s intelligent and confident, but he can also be stubborn and even somewhat aggressive to other small animals, it’s in his terrier nature.

With proper training it is possible to nip the barking habits in the bud, so he can continue to explore and seek out new adventures without irritating all those around him. The Yorkshire Terrier likes to keep busy, and although he requires daily exercise, he can satisfy this need with a romp in a fenced in yard or playtime indoors or out.

Cannot be expected to live outdoors

Health conditions that need to be tested for are his knees and eyes and liver

Grooming needs include brushing at least every other day

The Yorkshire Terrier is an affectionate and friendly, playful animal that is easy to train

Has a great relationship with family members, young and old, not very protective but do make great watchdogs

The average size of a male is less than 7lbs and 8 to 9 inches tall

The average size of a female is less than 7lbs and 8 to 9 inches tall

Care & Health:

This is one breed that can happily get his exercise by playing fun games with his owner. Even so, the Yorkshire Terrier loves short outings on a leash and need lots of people time.

Be sure to brush his long coat at least every other day to keep it healthy.

Major Health Concerns:

– portacaval shunt, tracheal collapse, Leggs-Perthes

Minor Health Concerns:

– patellar luxation and occasionally PRA

Test for:

– knees, eyes and liver

Life Span:

– 14 to 16 years

Breed History:

The 1800s saw these dogs as vermin catchers for weavers, his origins not of royalty despite his appearance, but that of a working class companion. It wasn’t long before wealthy dog owners took notice and soon they were popular show dogs and companions to ladies who treasured their luxurious looking lap dogs.

In the later 1800s the Yorkshire Terrier arrived in the US, and because there was such a variation in size of the dogs, it took until 1990 for there to be a standard established that satisfied both the Americans and English breeders. Efforts were made for a smaller size and silkier coat, and once the breed standard was final they slowly but surely became one of the favorite toy breeds and show dogs in existence.